Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E7
· Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unnatural Selection

Barometer of Leadership

In the dimly lit bridge of the Enterprise during warp transit, Captain Picard voices private concerns about Dr. Pulaski's command readiness in his captain's log, drawing a parallel between her medical expertise and untested leadership capacity during crises. His pacing and the symbolic malfunction of his antique barometer—suddenly indicating 'STORMY' after he taps it—visibly underscore his brewing reservations. This quiet moment establishes the central tension between Picard's professional respect for Pulaski's skills and his instinctive wariness of placing unproven officers in critical command roles, foreshadowing upcoming conflicts as they face an unknown biological threat.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Picard hopes the mission will let him evaluate the new staff officer, then paces in his quarters and pauses before the antique brass ship's barometer as he mentally tests Doctor Pulaski — praising her meticulous competence while voicing doubt about her readiness for broader command.

hopeful to doubtful/concerned ["Captain's Quarters — Picard pacing in …

Picard absently raps the barometer; the needle snaps to "STORMY," a jolting physical omen that crystallizes the simmering worry into clear foreboding.

absentminded to foreboding ["Captain's Quarters — beside the antique …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Outwardly composed but internally unsettled, with mounting professional doubts manifesting through physical tension

Captain Picard paces anxiously in his quarters while dictating a private captain's log evaluating Dr. Pulaski's command readiness, then interacts ominously with the antique barometer that responds unnaturally to his touch.

Goals in this moment
  • • Objectively assess a new officer's readiness for crisis leadership
  • • Maintain composed authority despite personal reservations
Active beliefs
  • • Specialized excellence doesn't guarantee command competence
  • • The unpredictable nature of space demands officers with versatile leadership
Character traits
Self-reflective Command anxiety Physically restless
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Unnamed Bridge Crewmember
Bridge Operations Technician
 primary

Focused on standard duties, unaware of command-level tensions

Bridge crew members perform routine operations quietly under dim lighting, serving as conventional baseline activity contrasting with Picard's internal command concerns.

Goals in this moment
  • • Maintain smooth ship operations during warp transit
  • • Follow standard bridge protocols
Active beliefs
  • • Routine procedures ensure mission success
  • • Hierarchical structure delegates command concerns appropriately
Character traits
Professional Unobtrusive
Follow Unnamed Bridge …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Picard's Antique Brass Ship's Barometer

Picard's antique brass barometer serves dual functions: as a conventional nautical instrument and as an uncanny narrative device when it inexplicably swings to 'STORMY' after being tapped, visually externalizing the captain's brewing concerns about upcoming challenges with Pulaski's command readiness.

Before: Mounted statically on the bulkhead, needle at stable …
After: Needle dramatically pointed at 'STORMY' position despite calm …
Before: Mounted statically on the bulkhead, needle at stable position
After: Needle dramatically pointed at 'STORMY' position despite calm external conditions

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Enterprise bridge operates under dimmed lighting during warp transit, its calm procedural routine providing surface-level stability that contrasts with Picard's private command anxieties being voiced via captain's log from his quarters.

Atmosphere Professionally subdued with quiet activity, masking underlying tensions
Function Operational hub maintaining ship functions
Symbolism Represents the duality between outward Starfleet efficiency and internal command doubts
Access Restricted to authorized bridge personnel
Dim lighting emphasizing focused workspaces Low hum of warp engines maintaining background presence

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"Picard (V.O.): "In the short time she's been aboard, Doctor Pulaski has distinguished herself as a meticulous and competent physician. But can someone so focused on her own specialty also assume the broader duties of the ship's Chief Medical Officer?""